August 19th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) Some 200 to 300 head of cattle are being illegally smuggled into Costa Rica from Nicaragua every week in the border areas of Upala and Los Chiles, according to the regional head of the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), Elliut Herrera.

“Smuggling has increased in recent weeks and we believe it is an effect of the drought affecting many Nicaraguan farms,” Herrera said.

SENASA has asked the Ministry of Public Security to increase border security in the area, citing risks to Costa Rica’s cattle herds from animals without health checks.